Kayode Olagunju says Nigeria must not repeat history by losing visionary leadership again, comparing Seyi Makinde with Awolowo and Abiola.
We lost Awolowo. We lost Abiola. We must not lose Seyi Makinde
Over the years, Nigeria has had chances to be great. We have had opportunities to turn around the fortune of our country. But each time, we missed it.
Not because we lacked the right leaders, but because selfish interests and powerful forces stood in the way of progress. And sadly, Nigeria is still paying the price for those mistakes today.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo was one of those missed opportunities. Among all his political contemporaries, no one came close to him in terms of vision, intelligence, and administrative capacity.
The development of the old Western Region during his time remains one of the greatest examples of purposeful leadership in Africa. His policies on free education, infrastructure, and economic planning transformed lives. Yet, forces threatened by his brilliance ensured he never became president. Nigeria lost a golden opportunity, and the consequences are still visible today.
Then came MKO Abiola. A successful businessman with global influence, a generous spirit, and a deep passion for Nigeria. Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines united behind him. But once again, dark forces refused to allow progress. His mandate was denied, he was imprisoned, and eventually died in detention. Another opportunity wasted.
What Awolowo and Abiola had in common was courage, preparation, and a genuine desire to build a better Nigeria. But they were resisted by people who benefitted from Nigeria’s weaknesses and backwardness. Every time those forces won, Nigeria lost.
Today, Nigeria stands at another critical moment. Another leader with vision, courage, and capacity has emerged. Seyi Makinde may not be perfect, but he represents a new generation of leadership driven by competence, strategic thinking, and development-focused governance. Like Awolowo and Abiola before him, he faces resistance from those uncomfortable with change and accountability.
Seyi Makinde’s journey in governance speaks clearly for itself. As Governor of Oyo State, he has transformed the conversation around leadership and development. Under his administration, roads have been reconstructed across major parts of the state, connecting rural communities and boosting economic activities. He has invested heavily in education by improving school infrastructure, recruiting teachers, and promoting better learning conditions for students.
His government also focused on healthcare development, upgrading primary healthcare centres and improving access to medical services for ordinary citizens.
In agriculture, his administration launched initiatives aimed at empowering farmers, attracting investors, and improving food production. Through transparent governance and prudent management of resources, Oyo State witnessed improved internally generated revenue and increased investor confidence.
Makinde also showed leadership during moments of crisis. His calm and coordinated response during difficult periods earned him respect across political divides. He demonstrated that governance is not about noise or propaganda, but about planning, responsibility, and results.
One of the strongest qualities Makinde possesses is his ability to build bridges across ethnic, religious, and political lines. He has consistently projected himself as a leader for all people, not just for a section of society. In a country deeply divided by mistrust and sentiments, this quality is rare and valuable.
Of course, Nigeria is facing difficult challenges. The economy is tough, insecurity remains a concern, and many citizens are frustrated. But genuine transformation takes time. No serious reform happens without sacrifice. Leaders who truly want change must make difficult decisions, and such decisions are often resisted by those who profit from the old system.
The attacks against Makinde and other reform-minded leaders are not always about performance. Often, they come from people threatened by the possibility of a better Nigeria. They fear a system where competence replaces favoritism, where development replaces manipulation, and where leadership truly serves the people.
Among many politicians presenting themselves as alternatives, Makinde has shown practical governance experience and measurable achievements.
He is not merely speaking from outside the system; he has demonstrated leadership in office. He has built institutions, empowered young people, and encouraged policies that focus on long-term growth instead of short-term political gain.
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Nigeria needs continuity in good governance. The country cannot continue the cycle of abandoning reform halfway. Development requires consistency, planning, and patience. The mistakes of the past should teach us that cutting short the vision of capable leaders only pushes the nation backward.
This is not about tribe, religion, or political party. It is about national progress. It is about building a Nigeria where future generations can thrive. It is about choosing competence over sentiment and development over propaganda.
Real change is never easy. There will be challenges, criticism, and moments of discomfort. But that is the nature of nation-building. What matters is whether the country is moving forward with sincerity, courage, and vision.
This is not just about one man. It is about the future of Nigeria. It is about rejecting the politics of division and embracing leadership that focuses on development, accountability, and unity.
We lost Awolowo. We lost Abiola. Nigeria cannot continue losing leaders with vision and courage. The nation must learn from history and support leadership that prioritizes progress over politics.
Nigeria must break free from the cycle of wasted opportunities. The country deserves leaders who can inspire hope, drive development, and build institutions that outlive individuals.
The future of Nigeria depends on the choices we make today. And if we truly want a better nation, then we must learn to protect and support genuine leadership when we see it.
Kayode Adeyeni Olagunju writes from England, United Kingdom